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Abba Kyari Claims Innocence, Drags FG To Court Over Detention

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The Source
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By Gideon Njoku

Suspended and very embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has instituted a suit against the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/182/22, Kyari is pleading with the Court to grant him bail on health grounds.

In the exparte motion he filed on Monday, February 21, 2022, through his Counsel, Mrs P.O. Ikenna, Kyari claimed Innocence of the crime for which he is being detained.

His Counsel noted: “He is being held on the basis of a false allegation leveled against him.”

The Judge, the Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo, when the case was called up, refused to grant Kyari bail on health grounds, and held that: “Upon studying the process of the applicant and averments in support therein, I am of the opinion that the Respondent should be put on notice.”

The Judge resisted all efforts by Kyari’s Counsel to persuade him to grant him bail because of his alleged deteriorating health condition.

Kyari had pleaded for the bail pending the determination of his suit against the Federal Government on the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

The once celebrated crime buster was the Head of IGP’s Intelligence Respond Team, IRT. He was suspended by the Police Service Commission after America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation, inducted him over his entanglement in an internet international fraud involving international internet fraudster, Hushpuppi, who is in jail in the US. The FBI requested for Kyari’s extradition to the US to answer to charges.

However, while Investigation  into his involvement was going on, Kyari’s trouble ran over when the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, shocked Nigerians by alleging, with video evidence, that Kyari is not only neck-deep in, and hand-in-gloves with Drug Barons, but had tried to bribe its personnel with the sum of $61,000 to sell drugs recovered from Drug Barons at the Enugu International Airport, on behalf of its personnel.

He was subsequently declared wanted by the NDLEA. The Police arrested him and four other Police officers, allegedly, involved in the Cocaine scandal. They were handed over to the NDLEA, and have since been in the custody of the Agency for thorough interrogation.

Anyim Commends Buhari Statesmanship

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The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

Apparently overwhelmed by the mammoth crowd that graced the celebrations of his 61st birthday, Anyim Pius Anyim, a presidential hopeful, confessed, saying “I was actually stunned by the turn out at the event marking the celebration of my 61st birthday.” He remarked that the intention of of celebrating his 61st birthday was to make up for the celebration of his 60th birthday which was slowed down by Covid restrictions. But he maintained that he was really overwhelmed by even the encomium and praises poured on him by eminent personalities who graced the occasion, saying, “I can’t find the words to express my joy today”.

Explaining the circumstances surrounding the celebration of this year’s birthday, he said, “I turned 60 on the 19th of February last year. My family had planned to celebrate my 60th birthday in a big way but the Covid 19 pandemic got in the way.  So we could only invite a few close family friends to our home for a quiet cake cutting event and visits to orphanage homes”.

He, however, noted that he never thought that 61years was such a significant number to call for a big celebration. But he admitted that given the season we are in, his  friends and his Greater Nigeria 2023 Project Team, a group working for his presidential ambitions, insisted he should mark his 61st birthday to be dedicated just for interaction with friends, associates and party faithful. With  modest planning, Anyim said, invites were sent out. But despite such humble arrangements, Anyim confessed: “I was stunned by the turn out at the Africa Hall of the Internatiobal Conference Centre Abuja today”. The roll call of dignitaries is endless he said.

Starting from  President Muhammadu Buhari who sent the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha to represent him, because he is out of the country, to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who he fondly described as my boss for life to former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, to former  President of the Senate, and Secretary to the PDP Board of Trustees, Distinguished Senator  Adolphus Wabara, to the executive Governor of Rivers State Bar. Nyesom Wike, Governor Samuel Ortom Represented,  Former Governor Attahiru Bafawara, former Governor T.A Orji, Distinguished  Senators, Hon. Members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ministers, PDP National, Zonal and State Officials, including, leaders of other Political parties, enthusiastic Greater Nigeria 2023 Project  Partners from all over the Federation.

He emphasized, “I was touched and humbled  by the kind words of commendation, affirmation, recommendation, endorsement, and   encouragement from such gathering of respectable, and outstanding leaders,” Anyim, commending  magnanimous presence presence of President Mohammed Buhari said, “President Buhari displayed  exceptional statesmanship with his kind and gracious comments. I can’t thank him enough.” Continuing he said, weighing the comments of former president Jonathan, he concluded, “My boss, President Jonathan has just sent me on an assignment to go ahead to resume the building of a Greater Nigeria on the solid foundation he laid”.

Again by the enthusiastic endorsement of speakers and goodwill messages of people at the occasion, Anyim said, “I have heard Nigerians loudly today and I am willing and available to serve this beautiful country of ours, promising about his readiness, he said:

“Nigerians, here I am, Send me.”  He further extends hands to those who could not find a space inside the hall and those who sent messages of felicitation,  to Join hands with him and the Greater Nigeria 2023 Project Team  to rebuild the Nigeria we shall all be proud of.

Ondo New Executive Order : PDP Has Misfired – Information Commissioner, Ojogo

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The Source
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Donald Ojogo

By Ayodele Oni

In its reaction to the People’s Democratic Party’s, (PDP) comment on Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s New Executive Order, the State Government said ,”Though it came not as a surprise, the opposition PDP’s latest misadventure in respect of an Executive Order signed by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, manifested two things:

“It is either gross lack of knowledge about public governance or another failed but usually warped twist to misinform the populace.

The statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Donald Ojogo, pointed out that “Both inferences are uncanny, even as they represent all that connote ignorance.

“This response, therefore, requires to subtly educate the opposition on the essence of institutional frameworks for good governance.

“Yes, the Executive Order in reference is an official document duly signed by the Governor. But was it signed with the Governor’s son in mind? NO.

“Will PPIMU commence and end with the Governor’s son? NO. Was there an institution like PPIMU as presently enunciated before now? NO.

“Does PPIMU form part of an enduring Government legacy intended to engender and deepen good governance in tandem with the ever changing governance environment? YES. Are there other bodies in the mould of PPIMU in various states across Nigeria? YES, of course.

“The churned mischief assaults logic; it similarly, carries the burden of a self-kill that the PDP admits the existence of such institutions under previous administrations.

“This is agreeable, only to the extent that indeed, Due Process Offices (what is now called the Bureau for Public Procurement) existed.

“Under the current administration, it still suffices with defined roles with unfettered responsibilities within its areas of operation.

“It, therefore, appears illogical to consider improvements aimed at strengthening our public governance capacities within the prism of challenged political confines.

“By implication, what the opposition party has said in  simple terms is: ‘let’s remain static and not run with the changing times.’

“As a responsible government, we will not solve today’s problems, especially in public governance, with yesterday’s solutions.

“PPIMU has come to stay. It is not the baby of an individual. It is an initiative to drive service delivery and enhance efficiency in public service.

“It must be noted too, that, with PPIMU serving as a warehouse for quality service, excellence and efficiency, Government has set a marketable standard for Peer Review. We cannot afford to play the ostrich in an ever changing and dynamic world.

“The public, especially the Ondo State Public Service is enjoined to ignore the fruitless effort of the PDP at incitement. They misfired.

“A politcal party that does not know the difference between ‘process for approvals through’ and ‘seek approval from’ has no business in the affairs of men.

Ekiti: APC Stakeholders To Reconcile Aggrieved Gov Aspirants, Deputy Gov Leads Committee

By
Ayodele Oni
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APC Party
APC Party

By Ayodele Oni

Stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) in Ekiti state have applauded the outcome of the party’s Governorship primary election, which they described as peaceful, and devoid of blood letting.

At a parley of the stakeholders including elected officials, political appointees, and party executives, held in Ado Ekiti,they proferred the way forward to enable the APC win the June Governorship election.

Some of the Senators and House of Representatives Members were, however, conspicuously absent at the parley, attended by Governor Kayode Fayemi and his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, among others.

The State Chairman of the Party, Barrister Paul Omotosho, in his opening address, thanked party faithfuls for their loyalty and dedication, especially on the successful gubernatorial primaries of January 27, 2022.

He encouraged stakeholders to continue to work in unison and in the overall best interest of the party.

In a communique, signed by Segun Dipe, Tai Oguntayo and Gboyega Ajayi, the Stakeholders observed that the last party primary of January 27, 2022 was peaceful, without any bloodletting.

“That the unity of APC in Ekiti State is sacrosanct. All party members were encouraged to work together as a team and shun any act that can cause disunity.

“Members should see nothing wrong in people expressing grievances. However, it must not be allowed to tear or destroy the party.

“A Reconciliation Committee to be headed by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi was constituted at the State level to woo and reconcile all aggrieved aspirants and their followers within the party, and this would be replicated at both the Local Government and Ward levels.

“The glory of the Ekiti State Governorship Primary was attributed to sportsmanship of all the Aspirants, especially those who have openly accepted the result and pledged to support the candidacy of the flag bearer.

“That the forthcoming election is not about Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, but about the good of our people and Ekiti State in general.

“Therefore, all party members must see the forthcoming election as their personal project and all hands must be on the deck.

“That the performance of the incumbent, Governor Kayode Fayemi is the impetus for the party’s campaign while marketing the party’s candidate,  Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for the general election with the promise to continue the present good work of Gov. Fayemi.

“That the party stakeholders should see the ongoing voters’ registration exercise as an opportunity to boost the voters’ strength of their different communities.

“As a party, the APC will also do the needful to encourage and motivate people to register.

“The Forum noticed the alarming rate of uncollected voter’s cards and enjoin those who have yet to collect their PVC to go to the INEC office and collect them. Registration without collection of PVC is a fruitless exercise.

“Going forward, Party faithfuls are enjoined to show more commitment to party activities, especially at the ward level.”

They  advised the party’s candidate, Abayomi Oyebanji,  to reach out to other aspirants that contested with him as he commences a thank you tour round the State.

Gov Akeredolu’s New Executive Order Legitimizes Illegality – PDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Akeredolu and his Son, Babajide

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ondo State has described the newly signed Executive Order by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as a ploy to ‘legitimize illegality’ as regards the recent appointment of his son as a Director General in charge of Due Process.

PDP, in a statement on Monday by its spokesman Kenedy Peretei, in reaction, stated that:

“The Governor has just signed an Executive Order to provide legal cover for the illegal appointment of his son, Babajide, as Director General of Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit (PPIMU).

“The Executive Order amongst other provisions states, ‘All MDAs of Ondo State Government shall process approvals for projects through the Impact Assurance Process of PPIMU as constituted by this Order.’

“As if to cover for the incompetence and lack of experience of the son to discharge such responsibilities demanded by his office, the Order states further The operational Head of PPIMU appointed by the Governor of Ondo State shall be the Director General/Special Adviser (DG/SA) and shall be supported by a professional corp of officers in various categories to be recruited from within and outside of the civil service.

“On a good day, when a Governor signs an Executive Order for the good of the people, it is done with funfair, but this particular one was secretly signed because of the implications for the government.

“It is an Order that has finally reduced Honourable State Commissioners, some of them accomplished in their various fields to submit projects from their Ministries for approval to Mr Governor’s son.

“He will in turn depend on ‘professional Corp of officers’ to give such approvals before Almighty Mr. Governor appends his signature with the red pen. Governance has never been reduced to such a laughable extent in the history of the state.

“Perhaps, it may be necessary to explain how Dr. Olusegun Agagu came up with the idea of Projects and Price Monitoring Unit (PPMU) attached to the Governor’s Office in 2003.

“It was to serve as a check on contractors that quoted bogus figures for government projects or items to be procured by the government.

“The Unit provided information that enabled the government benchmark prices. At that time, the Unit was headed by a Chartered Accountant with several decades experience to his credit.

“When Dr. Olusegun Mimiko became Governor, realising that, the Unit helped government to save funds, he decentralised the Unit to three Senatorial Districts, each District headed by a Senior Special Assistant.

“There was no need for swearing in ceremony. PPMU was not an approving authority under previous administrations that Akeredolu copied this practice from.

“When Mr. Governor realised that, there was no legal framework for the appointment of a DG for PPIMU, he had to resort to Executive Order to legitimise an illegality.

“Outside of its illegality, what will be the job of career civil servants in various ministries, some of whom parade professional certificates. They will now all be at the mercy of a young man who has never worked anywhere all his life.

“This deliberate destruction of the civil service and humiliation of the top echelon of the political class is a time bomb that will consume the Akeredolu administration as a matter of course.”

2023 Presidency: Tinubu Vows To Fight Opponents Like A Pig

By
Bayo Bernard
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0
Bola Tinubu and Alaafin Of Oyo

By James Orji

Presidential hopeful and National Leader of the All Progressives’ Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has warned those trying to stop him from becoming the President and Commander-in-Chief next year.

Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor said he is prepared to confront his detractors with all he has, and if possible, get dirty with his detractors to ensure that he succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari whose tenure is expected to end by May 29 next year.

“I am out to become President of Nigeria. No intimidation, no blackmail can stop me. I have read about a Greek philosopher that if you want to fight a pig, you must be ready to be smeared and I’m ready to be dirty,” Tinubu said when he visited the Olubadan-designate, Lekan Balogun, in Ibadan, Oyo State on Sunday.

The APC stalwart who had earlier paid a visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in his quest to gather support for his presidential ambition, said the country is at a cross road presently and required a politician like him to turn thing around as president.  

But watchers of political development in the country insist that Tinubu may have spoken regarding suggestion that some powerful Nigerians, including some stalwarts in his party APC, are not supporting his quest to be president.  

For instance, the magazine learnt that the incumbent, President Buhari is not well disposed to Tinubu succeeding him. Buhari, who in an interview last year said he’s interested in who take over from him, is said to be interested in another aspirant who he has yet to mention, because he believed that such person could be ‘eliminated’.

 The president, some say is prepared to jettison an unwritten agreement with Tinubu that he will be president after him, by supporting another candidate next year.

The president’s interest, others say may have aligned with some big hats in the ruling party who believe that Tinubu must not be president. For instance, some elements in the party led by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state and Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee are believed to working to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan to the presidential race, even though those close to Jonathan said he’s not disposed to the arrangement.

The former president has recently endorsed Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state and Pius Anyim Pius, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF for the highest office in the country.  

Tinubu’s presidential ambition is also not enjoying support from some Nigerians who believe that he’s to old for the office. The politician will be 70 next year, and those in this line of thought have insisted that Buhari must be succeeded by a young person. His other critics have also demanded that he stepped down on health grounds. The former governor spent over three months last year in the United Kingdom, UK taking care of an undisclosed health problem.

Meanwhile, those close to the presidency said Tinubu’s relationship with ‘Aso Rock cabal’, an anecdote used to describe Buhari’s kitchen cabinet may further be worsened by his comment. Tinubu should be careful in making distasteful statement that can jeopardise his presidential ambition, Chris Kehinde Nwandu, a public analyst said.

NIMASA Renews MoU With World Maritime University For Capacity Building

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Fola James

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh has disclosed that the agency is poised to develop capacity in the nation’s maritime sector.

Jamoh said this after the agency renewed its Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the World Maritime University, WMU, Malmo.

Speaking after signing the MoU virtually, Jamoh noted that there is no substitute to education. “The Collaboration with the World Maritime University by NIMASA is to advance maritime interest while addressing the changing needs of the maritime industry based on sustainable capacity development; aseducation, training and capacity building play a major role in developing shipping in any nation”, he said.

Dr. Jamoh used the opportunity to reveal that the Agency is at an advanced stage in setting up a Regional Maritime Safety and Security Research Center to enhance research works.

The centre is to take care of capacity development in 25 African countries. “Graduates from the WMU who are in the employ of the Agency will serve as Researchers and Resource Persons, Sharing knowledge and hopefully develop a research based sustainable framework to provide solution to issues of insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.

The NIMASA Regional Maritime Safety and Security Research Center will be a center of excellence in research and we will collaborate and cooperate with other countries”.

On her part, the President of the WMU, Dr.Cleopatra Doumbia- Henry noted that NIMASA is playing a leading role in developing capacity for the maritime industry in the Gulf of Guinea region. Shecommended Nigerian students who have passed through the University, welcomed the agreement and added that NIMASA is one of the first supporters of WMU.

 Accordingly, she stated that the initiative also supports the WMU’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Nigeria leads, others follow. WMU is delighted to be associated with NIMASA and its work which extends beyond national boundaries, and has a significant effect on the whole region.

“We are also pleased to have such a successful and warm relationship with NIMASA and its staff – it is a perfect example of international cooperation for sustainable growth. I look forward to the fruitful outcome of our collaborative efforts as articulated in the Memorandum and based on the principles of equity, reciprocity and mutual benefit.”

The agreement provides for maritime education, training, research and capacity building for officers of NIMASA with at least 10 officers funded annually by the Agency to study at WMU in the MSc in Maritime Affairs programme based in Malmo, Sweden.

 In addition, NIMASA will sponsor at least one officer per year to study in the WMU/IMLI MPhil programme in International Maritime Law and Ocean Policy.

The agreement also provides for WMU to develop and organize short-term, specialized Executive Professional Development Courses, EPDCs for NIMASA officers.

Anglican Primate Hails Uzodimma On Infrastructural Development In Imo

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The Source
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0
Hope Uzodinma

Primate of all Nigeria Anglican Church, His Grace, The Most Rev. (Dr.)Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba has commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for all his efforts in ensuring that his government leaves a legacy of durable infrastructure in Imo State.

The Archbishop bared his mind on Sunday in his sermon at the dedication of the newly built Cathedral Church of St. Peter Umuokanne, Ohaji in Ohaji/Egbema local government areas of Imo State.

The Primate who regretted that those in positions of authority are facing challenging times today due to insecurity and other forms of injustices was, however, full of praises for Governor Uzodimma over the latter’s policies on strategic infrastructural renewal in Imo.

Ndukuba’s words: “As I drove to Orlu yesterday (Saturday), Your Excellency, I saw the road you are doing from Owerri to Orlu. There are also others around the State. God will stand by you and help you do more. This is a very uncertain time and a very challenging time for every leader in the country. God will help you.”

He said Governor Uzodimma’s projects are people-oriented and that the Governor has continued to interface with stakeholders, pursuing peace vigorously and going about his leadership with the fear of the Lord. “God will grant you peace and God will grant us peace in Nigeria.”

In the Primate’s sermon which he tagged: Living stones and spiritual temple, he admonished the congregation to see the Cathedral Church he came to dedicate, as indeed other places of worship in the country,  as the place to run to in times of challenges like we have in Nigeria and other places today.

Ndukuba said that there is no problem God cannot solve for the people if they prayerfully approach him with sincerity of heart, faithfully, obediently, commitedly and with a heart full of gratitude and love.

He not only chided those who have taken it upon themselves to be killing fellow human beings, destroying their homes and places of worship, but also the authorities that have failed to bring such persons to book in the spirit of fairness and justice.

The Primate warned that the wrath of God is near for those who take him and what he is capable of doing for granted.

To the youths of the country, he warned them not to submit themselves to be used for dirty political activities as 2023 approaches, pleading, however, for everybody’s understanding in this difficulty times.

In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma said he could not agree less with Archbishop Ndukuba that we need prayers in the country and that “God is the only solution to our problems.”

The Governor reiterated that he has come to serve Imo people sincerely and with the fear of the Lord and urged them to be patient and supportive of his government, eschewing mayhem and violence. 

“Under my leadership I will do my best to pursue and ensure that we have peace. All l beg of you is to stop all forms of bloodletting and the things that result to violence and join hands with us to develop our State. We have the resources, human and material and what it takes to do so is if only we can put forward our first eleven.”

Governor Uzodimma thanked Imo people in general and Ohaji people in particular for the opportunity to be in their midst for the Cathedral Church dedication and used the event to remind them once more that he is one of them.

“Why I attended this dedication personally is to use the opportunity to explain to my brothers and sisters from Ohaji that I am one of them and to advice us to be peaceful and patient and to bear in mind that I will bring development into Ohaji even if it will be the only thing I will do as a governor. Only for you to persevere. We are almost there.”

Governor Uzodimma reminded his audience that unemployment is getting to a criminal level and that his government requires a conducive atmosphere to bring development to the people.

He recalled the efforts his government made recently to revamp Adapalm as a going concern with multi-dimensional value chain, noting that if the people sheathe their sword and allow peace to reign in the community,  Adapalm in no time will take more than 35,000 youths off the Labour market.

Governor Uzodimma thanked the Church, particularly members of the Anglican Communion for their support and solicited continued partnership with government in the interest of the society.

Earlier, the Bishop of the Cathedral Church of St Peter Umuokanne Ohaji, Rt. Rev. Chidi Collins Oparaojiaku, thanked Governor Uzodimma for all he did, both in cash and in kind, to ensure that the Church had a memorable dedication.

The dedication attracted many Bishops, serving and retired, from different parts of the country,  top federal and state political office holders, business moguls and traditional rulers of note from Imo State.

Prof Akintoye Dares  Buhari; Says He Cannot  Stop Actualisation Of Yoruba Nation

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Professor Banji Akintoye

By Akinwale Kasali

Yoruba Nation agitator and Leader of the umbrella body of Yoruba self-determination groups, Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Professor Banji Akintoye, has called on Yoruba people across the globe not to lose hope on the actualization of the  Oduduwa Republic as a Sovereign Nation for the Southwestern Nigerians.

The renowned historian and Second Republic Senator urged the Yoruba to remain steadfast as the actualisation of its agitated Yoruba Nation will be achievable soonest. He stressed that President Muhammadu Buhari cannot stop the actualisation of this goal.

In a statement on his behalf by Maxwell Adeleye, the Communications Secretary of the Self-Determination Movement, he  said that he remains optimistic and would not rest until the dream becomes a reality.

Akintoye, who marked his 87th birthday Saturday, said he had pleaded with his loyalists who wanted to celebrate his birthday anniversary to do otherwise, saying he cannot be celebrating when Sunday Igboho, a leading light of the freedom movement is still in detention in the Republic of Benin.

According to him, the Nigerian Government lacked the capacity to criminalize the struggle, stressing that the agitation is beyond the manipulation of the current government.

The statement reads in part,

“My message to all Yoruba people across the world who are passionate for the country of their own is not to lose hope.

“I am very much convinced that we are on our way to freedom. Our agitation is an idea whose time has come.

We shall keep the struggle alive, and beyond the manipulation of the Nigerian government.

“We won’t allow the Federal Government of Nigeria to criminalize our struggle. The Yoruba people worldwide are urged never to be deterred in the struggle.

“Many Yoruba patriots worldwide planned to celebrate my birthday but I pleaded with them not to do so in honour of my son and one of the heroes of our struggle, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, fondly called Sunday Ighoho, by all of us. I cannot be celebrating a birthday when Igboho is in detention”.

2023: Alaafin Endorses Tinubu,  As Tinubu Visit Late Prof.  Tunde Samuel’s Family Over His Death

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Bola Tinubu and Alaafin Of Oyo

By Akinwale Kasali

The campaign train of  the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Aspirant; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu,in  2o23, moved to Oyo State to  consult with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi.

The former Lagos State Governor made his aspiration known to the Monarch, soliciting his support and prayers to become the nation’s President come 2023.

A horde of his supporters who came with him from Lagos thronged the Palace and sang intermittently as he told the Traditional Ruler the purpose of his visit.

“All I came for today is to seek your blessing, your cooperation, your prayer for me to become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Tinubu told the Monarch.

Responding, the revered Yoruba Monarch assured that he was confident that the Yoruba ancestors would make Tinubu the President of Nigeria come 2023.

Hours after returning from Oyo State, the APC Presidential Aspirant paid a condolence visit to the home of late Professor Tunde Samuel, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), who passed on a coupleof days ago. Tinubu was accompanied by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and other top wigs in the Lagos APC.

Tinubu expressed expressed sadness at the demise of the academician who was 73 years old.

He prayed for the repose of his soul, praying that God would grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, stressing that his demise was a big loss to the Lagos State and the APC fold.

In the Speaker’s condolence message, he had described the death of Prof Samuel as “a blow, a pain that would take long for us to bear both as people of Agege, the APC as a family, the GAC and the entire Lagos State.

“His importance to Lagos State can never be under-emphasised. He was a passionate Lagosian whose thoughts, actions and activities were all geared towards strengthening democracy in Nigeria and the creation of an egalitarian state where individuals would live their lives in peace.”

Obasa, who visited the family of the deceased on Wednesday, added: “We will continue to miss his wisdom, knowledge and understanding of how Lagos and Nigeria should be run for the utmost good of the people. We will miss his advice and productive efforts to keep a united APC in Lagos.

“I, on behalf of my colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly, pray that God grant him peace and give his immediate family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this huge loss, Amen.”

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